In the first of a two part series, we look at the greatest performances this summer of cricket and how they changed the situation for the better for the green and gold.
No matter what the result in the Test series over in South Africa, the last summer of cricket for Australia has been truly incredible.
Not only are the results so astounding, but the way in which certain individuals have stood up to the challenge when the pressure was really on in the matches.
1) Brad Haddin’s knock in the first Test
This innings changed the whole context of the match. It gave Australia hope after the dismal morning they had. 6-132 was the scoreline when Haddin was joined by the eventual man of the series, Mitchell Johnson.
The 114-run partnership was crucial and gave Australia some ascendancy leading into the following day. Haddin’s innings was so impressive due to the way in which he batted despite the situation.
After digging through in the early stages, he played some magnificent shots off both the front and back foot before being runout for 94, another innings-saving knock from the keeper.
This knock reminded me off his great efforts against South Africa in 2008, when he made a similar score under pressure taking to Paul Harris, just like he did here to Graeme Swann. By attacking Swann, he interrupted his line and length.
This was something Swann could not recover from. A great knock from our keeper in his 50th match.
2) David Warner consolidates in the second innings at the Gabba and Durban
As a quick recap, Australia had a reasonable lead coming into the third innings yet their were question marks still remaining over the Australian top order after they collapses badly in the first innings.
After looking solid first time round before getting out softly, Warner cashed in tremendously and batted England out of the game. Chris Rogers and David Warner got Australia off to a great start and the side never looked back.
Warner made 124 off just 154 balls announcing himself on the tour and was joined by Clarke (113) as three key Australian batsman cashed in at the Gabba. A crucial innings again in the context of the match.
A massive win for Australia set up by positive batting which stayed with the Aussies for the whole summer.
Again in Durban he was terrific. After Australia took in another good lead once again he batted the opposition out of the game making some quick runs with debutant Alex Doolan.
After Rogers went early Warner still played his natural game and took to the South Africans benefiting from his fair share of luck.
3) Steve Smith’s timely hundreds in Perth, Sydney and Durban
After looking alright in England without dominating, Smith really announced himself this tour with this clutch batting when the hosts needed it.
In both innings Australia were in big trouble, and he delivered both times. Firstly, in Perth he dealt with the seam bowlers with caution and took after the spinners, this was noted by that brilliant six to get off the mark.
From here he never looked back scoring 111 as the Aussies put together a competitive 385.
In his home Test in Sydney, again he chipped in and provided Australia with crucial runs.
Australia were again 5/97 and when Haddin joined Smith as they did all summer, planted a rescue mission.
Smith made 115 and again looked composed, relaxed and played his shots well.
Moving on to the first Test in Durban and he was again terrific with Shaun Marsh, as Australia recovered from 4-90 in another match defining partnership.
His 100 was excellent showing his maturity and resilience, features in all of his innings making them a pleasure to watch as he has risen to the level a Test cricketer needs to play at.
Steven Smith is now a genuine Australian number six.
4) Chris Rogers guides Australia to a Boxing Day Test victory
A terrific period in the life of Chris Rogers continued in the Australian summer from his efforts over in England and is still continuing over their in South Africa.
In this particular Test Australia were caught behind in the match after England took a 51-run lead after both sides had batted.
Nathan Lyon was brilliant with the ball but the job still needed to be done however, and Rogers certainly did this.
His 116 was the only century of the match, as the Aussies chased down 231 for victory.
He went about this target very professionally, playing the ball well in the cover region and off his pads.
Rogers deserved this hundred for all of his efforts in the lead up and he backed this century up with another one in Sydney.
It was terrific stuff from the veteran. He is an inspiration to all opening batsman and cricketers around the country to never give up.
Honourable mention
Ben Stokes made a brilliant 120 in the Perth Test match. He was the only Englishman to score a century in the Test series and this knock was brilliant as he took to Johnson on the WACA wicket.
Big Bash brilliance
– Craig Simmons 102 off 39 balls and 112 of 58 balls against the Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers;
– Ben Dunk man of the series with 395 runs for the Hobart Hurricanes including 96 and 87;
– Jonathan Wells winning the young gun of the tournament award;
– Aaron Finch with 84 and 81.
Ryobi Cup
– David Warner with 541 Runs including 197 in a match! (Also 137 in the semi final);
– Cameron White man of the series with brilliant consistency;
– Michael Klinger 140*;
– Usman Khawaja with 104 in the final and winning the man of the match.
Sheffield Shield
Full wrap will be given after the competition has completed.
Carlton Mid Series
– Eoin Morgan 106 at the Gabba;
– Aaron Finch two hundreds in the series;
– James Faulkner amazing efforts at the Gabba in which Australia chased down 301 to win. His 69* included three fours in a row to win the match.
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